President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the Indonesian government will implement massive investments in the marine economy, also known as the blue economy, to meet a rising global demand for animal-derived protein.
In a statement released by the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), the president emphasized that Indonesia’s vast marine wealth must be optimized to improve the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking during a visit to the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) in South Leato, Gorontalo, President Prabowo stated, “People around the world are currently in dire need of animal protein, including from fish. Under the government I lead, we will massively develop fisheries and maritime sectors.”
Strengthening Local Fisheries Infrastructure
The administration’s strategy for the blue economy centers on strengthening the role of local fishermen within the national sector. A primary tool for this is the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) program, which aims to provide fishermen with better access to infrastructure and fishing facilities.
The government is currently targeting 1,386 KNMPs to be operational throughout Indonesia within this year. President Prabowo indicated that this expansion will be an ongoing effort, stating, “And next year, we will build another 1,000 (KNMPs), and so on, every year until we have 12,000 fishing villages across Indonesia.”
Combatting Foreign Incursions
To further empower the domestic sector, the government plans to distribute 1,582 fishing vessels to Indonesian fishermen. These vessels, ranging from small to large sizes, will be managed through fishermen’s cooperatives.
This move is specifically intended to secure Indonesia’s waters from external exploitation. “We don’t want the fish in our seas to be taken by foreign vessels. We want our fishermen to utilize them,” the president said.
Future Outlook
As the government continues its annual build-out of fishing villages, Indonesia may see a significant shift in its maritime productivity. The successful transition of vessel management to cooperatives could potentially increase the efficiency of local harvests.
If these targets are met, the expanded infrastructure may allow Indonesia to more aggressively capture the global market for animal protein, though the scale of the “huge undertaking” will likely depend on the consistent annual delivery of the promised facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fishing villages does the government aim to have in total?
President Prabowo stated the goal is to eventually have 12,000 fishing villages across Indonesia.
What is the target for fishing villages to be operational this year?
The government is targeting 1,386 Red and White Fishermen’s Villages (KNMPs) to operate this year.
How will the new fishing vessels be managed?
The 1,582 fishing vessels being distributed will be managed under a scheme handed over to fishermen’s cooperatives.
Do you believe that increasing domestic infrastructure is the most effective way to prevent foreign fishing in national waters?
